Don't talk thus to me, William, else I shall
feel that you would abet Matilda in what she has undertaken, and
what she may evidently accomplish."
"God forbid," said Mr. Montgomery, with more vehemence than was
peculiar to him.
* * * * *
Marguerite had only one week's notice to prepare for the projected
trip. She did not receive the summons with joy and eagerness, nor
did she evince any pleasure in the preparations.
"I shall have some beautiful costumes ordered for you when we arrive
in London, my dear," said the fashionable mother on inspecting her
daughter's wardrobe and commenting upon the array of materials
before her.
"Really, mamma, if I am to be bored by _modistes_ from morn
till eve I should prefer to remain at home. I know it is wrong to
say so, but I almost wish that Eve was well enough to get along
without us."
"I believe you, my dear," said Mrs. Verne, stroking her daughter's
head, "but then you know it would be cruel to have the poor girl
break her heart, moping away her time and begging to see a dear face
from home."
A wicked thought entered Marguerite's head. She wondered if it were
possible that her haughty sister ever possessed a true, honest
heart? and was there in her marriage with Montague Arnold the least
approach to sympathy? Did the proud heart ever beat with one
responsive throb for him whom she had chosen?
As the maiden reasoned thus there was a slight pang which told her
she had a heart, but that it must be silent--it must not be allowed
to assert itself, but masked in conventionalities she must act the
part of the worldly wise.
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